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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat's urban roads not designed for so many cars
Feeling exasperated due to heavy congestion during peak hours on city roads? It's not without reason. In 2024, the city (Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad East RTOs) added 560 two-wheelers and 208 four-wheelers daily. This amounts to addition of approximately one new two-wheeler every three minutes and one four-wheeler every seven minutes. To put the figure in perspective, the 2012 numbers for the same were 499 and 128 respectively, indicating rise of 62.5 per cent in daily registration of four-wheelers and 12.2 per cent for two-wheelers in 12 years. Surat in comparison recorded a moderate rise with daily two-wheeler registrations increasing from 335 to 384 and four-wheelers from 69 to 84 in 12 years, added the report. The figures are quoted in the recently-released 'Report of the High-Level Committee on Urban Planning' by the Urban Development & Urban Housing Department of the govt of Gujarat. The report highlighted that Gujarat added 18 lakh new vehicles in 2024 including 12 lakh two-wheelers and 3.5 lakh four-wheelers. In comparison, early 2000s saw the growth of about 41,000 vehicles in a year. The disproportionate growth of private vehicles puts immense pressure on transport infrastructure, causing congestion, longer travel times, higher emissions and a deteriorating quality of urban life,' the report states. In contrast, just 4,000 buses are added every year in Gujarat, which underscores the alarming disparity between investment in private and public transport. The disproportionate growth of private vehicles puts immense pressure on transport infrastructure, causing congestion, longer travel times, higher emissions and a deteriorating quality of urban life,' the report states. The report flags the city's unpreparedness for such a burgeoning population of cars and motorcycles. 'The trend means that in the three or four years, these numbers in Ahmedabad will match registrations in Bangalore (300 cars/day in 2024) and Delhi by 2031 (500 cars/day in 2024). There is no way that our city infrastructure is geared to accommodate such growth, which will result in total gridlock,' the report reads. Prof Shivanand Swamy, professor emeritus at Cept University and lead author of the section on urban mobility with Prof Shalini Sinha, Keshav Verma (retired IAS officer) and Minal Shetty, told TOI that the roads of Gujarat cities like Ahmedabad are not designed for such high numbers of cars. "Vehicle composition has been changing over the past few years due to many factors and now we are starting to feel the effect, especially during peak hours. It is a multi-pronged problem with requirements for parking space and more infrastructure such as flyovers. Eventually, they do not provide definite solutions - we must look at an efficient public transport system," he said. Prof Swamy added that in many European countries, the per person space available is 3-4 metres, compared to which we have about 0.6 metres in several Indian cities. "Compared to 80-90 buses per 1 lakh people in countries with good public transport, we lag behind by big margin. We may need more than 3,000 buses in the next five or six years or equivalent infrastructure, to serve our growing population and de-congest our roads," he said. The report highlights issues such an increase in road traffic accidents (RTAs) and deteriorating air quality among other effects of the high vehicle population. Some recommendations of experts are statutory planning for urban transport, coordinating urban transport intervention through a central body, strengthening transport planning by state or local govt and improved connectivity between regions.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
One of the biggest developments Barrie has seen, now in question
A rendering for a proposed development at the old Essa Road fairgrounds in Barrie, Ont. (Courtesy: City of Barrie)
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: Mangrove licence holders statewide will need Permit to Enter Coupe before beginning operations
File photo of a mangrove forest in Bako. KUCHING (May 23): Mangrove licence holders across Sarawak will soon be required to apply for a Permit to Enter Coupe (PEC) before they can begin operations, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said at present, PEC is already being enforced in the Sarikei area, particularly the Rajang Basin. He explained that the PEC is an official document issued by the Sarawak Forest Department to logging licence holders, including those with mangrove licences, before they are allowed to operate. 'The PEC is part of the management and control process for logging operations, ensuring that all related activities are carried out legally and in compliance with established regulations and standard operating procedures. 'Before a PEC is issued, licensees are required to submit a Forest Engineering Plan, which includes a General Harvesting Plan and a Detailed Harvesting Plan. 'However, for mangrove licence areas, only the General Harvesting Plan is required,' he said during the question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today. He pointed out a PEC is valid for nine months and allows licensees to commence logging within designated harvesting blocks, ensuring that all activities are regulated and systematic. He was responding to a question from Azizul Annuar Adenan (GPS-Tanjong Datu), who had asked about PEC enforcement for mangrove licence holders. Len Talif said the Forest Department held a PEC briefing session for mangrove licence holders on Feb 10 at the Kuching Regional Forest Office. 'The renewal of mangrove licences must comply with DF Circular No. 2/2019 (Restoration Programme within Licensed Area), which requires replanting of mangrove trees in equal or greater numbers than those harvested. 'Starting from the Sarikei area, particularly in the Rajang Basin, and eventually be enforced throughout Sarawak,' he said. When responding to a supplementary question, Len Talif outlined the key benefits of PEC enforcement for mangrove areas. 'First, it ensures that mangrove wood resources in Sarawak are managed systematically and sustainably by limiting logging areas based on a reasonable harvesting cycle and enforcing a minimum cutting diameter of no less than 10cm DBH (diameter at breast height),' he explained. He noted that extraction is monitored through pre-harvest stock inventories, helping to prevent over-harvesting and ensuring long-term resource availability. 'This is also to prevent logging outside licensed areas and curbs illegal logging activities in mangrove forests,' he said. In addition, Len Talif said the PEC framework will enhance coastal conservation efforts and strengthen governance in mangrove forest management, aligning with Sarawak's climate change mitigation strategies. 'Ultimately, it ensures that mangrove logging is carried out in a controlled and orderly manner, minimising ecological impact while supporting the sustainability of the mangrove wood industry and the socioeconomic wellbeing of local communities,' he added. lead Len Talif Salleh Permit to Enter Coupe
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: 30 areas in Opar approved for NCR land perimeter surveys, over 1,400 titles issued
Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. – Roy KUCHING (May 22): A total of 30 areas within the Opar constituency have been approved for perimeter surveys of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land as of April 30 this year, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh. Of the 30 areas, 26 have been surveyed, with 18 gazetted as Native Communal Reserves (Agriculture) while several other areas are still undergoing the survey process, including one facing objections, he said. 'In the second phase, nine areas have been approved for individual lot surveys, with three areas completed and five others still in progress,' said Len Talif at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, in response to a question from Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang. He also reported that 1,411 land titles have been issued under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code. Regarding traditional village land surveys, Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. 'Surveys for the remaining eight villages will commence soon, subject to the readiness of the land claimants on the ground,' he added. During a supplementary question session, Len Talif emphasised that the effectiveness of the survey process depends heavily on cooperation from the applicants. 'Land claimants must be prepared for their land to be surveyed by identifying and marking boundaries, and by submitting a rough sketch plan along with a list of claimants' names,' he explained. He noted that areas affected by disputes or the absence of claimant presence in the field have experienced delays in the survey process. 'Let us work together to resolve any disputes and disagreements among claimants to ensure the successful surveying of individual lots and the timely issuance of land titles,' he said. On the survey of 'pemakai menoa' and 'pulau galau' (native territorial domain), Len Talif said that Sarawak Bumiputera communities may submit their claims by completing the NTD A form, which is available at the Land and Survey Department counters or can be downloaded from the department's website. DUN Land Survey Len Talif NCR
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Proposed Tanah Putih–Parit Bugis bridge, road upgrades to enhance Sarikei's agropark plans, says Premier
Abang Johari speaks during the Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Othman Bridge opening ceremony today. – Ukas photo SARIKEI (May 17): A new bridge linking Tanah Putih and Parit Bugis across the Batang Rajang River will be constructed to support the revitalisation of the agricultural sector and the development of a modern agropark in the region, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. This initiative, he added, aligns with Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to enhance rural infrastructure and improve accessibility for local communities, while reaffirming the state government's commitment to improving connectivity in the area, including plans to upgrade the road leading to the agropark. 'At our recent meeting, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, informed me that the road to the agropark is still in poor condition. Since the agropark is designed to be modern, the access road must also meet that standard. 'We have therefore decided to upgrade the road, and this includes the construction of the bridge to Parit Bugis, which is located nearby,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report during the official opening of the Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Othman Bridge today. Once a hub for traditional farming, Abang Johari said the area continues to produce agricultural goods and has now been earmarked as a prime site for agropark development. This, he added, reflects its potential to be transformed through structured and modern agricultural initiatives. In addition, Abang Johari announced two proposed infrastructure projects: the upgrading of the Bintangor–Sarikei road and the construction of a new route from Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway. 'For the Bintangor–Sarikei road, we will seek funding either through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) or via the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA). 'The road connecting Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway will also proceed. While the project is costly, political stability and public unity will help us achieve this goal,' he said. Earlier, Len Talif submitted proposals to upgrade a 14-kilometre stretch of the Bintangor–Sarikei road from JKR U3 to U5 standards, along with plans for an 11-kilometre JKR U3 road connecting Jalan Pasi to the Pan Borneo Highway. Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; State Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii; Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol; State Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo; Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; State Infrastructure Ministry Permanent Secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau, State Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris, and other officials and invited guests. abang johari agropark Batang Rajang lead new bridge Parit Bugis Tanah Putih
